3-0 win at Chiba Port Arena not enough to qualify for final eight Team will now play in round that determines positions 9-16 The Saudi national volleyball team defeated Kazakhstan in straight sets at the 2021 Asian Men’s Volleyball Championship in Tokyo. The 3-0 (25-23, 25-21, 25-23) win at Chiba Port Arena came in the final Group D match, to leave Saudi Arabia in third place in the table and heading into the round that will determine positions 9-16 in the tournament. The Saudi team imposed early control on the match thanks to sharp spiking and a solid blocking wall. National team player Mowaffaq Al-Mutairi said although the match was difficult and each set was closely fought, the players’ determination and technical skill ensured they emerged victorious. Saudi Arabia had lost its other Group D matches to South Korea and Chinese Taipei. Finishing third means that while the Saudi team is not among the final eight that will contest the championship, it now has a chance to finish highest in Final 9-16. Saudi Arabia will meet Hong Kong in their first Group H match on Thursday before facing Thailand on Friday.